FRAC SAND: A Wisconsin county where local officials are under fire for close ties to the frac sand industry approves two mining projects, and a Minnesota town considers moratoriums on sand processing and additional truck traffic within city limits. (Minneapolis Star Tribune, Winona Daily News)

MEDIA: The New York Timesdismantles its environmental desk, but says the move is to make its reporting — including on climate change — less “singular and isolated.” (InsideClimate News)